Playback Theatre Core Training

Playback Theatre is a form of community theatre where personal stories from the audience are improvised spontaneously on stage. This applied theatre method seeks to create community connections and dialogue through surfacing untold stories from lesser heard voices.

This core training provides a dynamic introduction to the essential skills of Playback Theatre, including deep listening, embodied storytelling, and ensemble play. Participants will explore the fundamental roles—Teller, Conductor, Musician, and Actor—learning how to honour and transform stories with authenticity and artistry.

Through engaging exercises, improvisational techniques, and reflective practice, this course builds confidence in spontaneous performance and fosters a sense of connection and empathy. Whether you are new to Playback Theatre or seeking to strengthen your foundation, this training offers a supportive space to develop skills and deepen your understanding of this powerful form.

This workshop is designed for social workers, community workers, educators, drama practitioners, facilitators, and anyone interested in Playback Theatre or in using applied theatre as a tool for their work.

Core Training is a level one course that is a prerequisite for entry into higher levels of learning in the Playback Theatre Curriculum Pathway.

About The Course

Course Objectives*:

• Introduce basic skills and performance forms used in Playback Theatre
• Introduce principles, applications, history, and ethics of Playback Theatre

*Course content offered is in line with the curriculum set by the Centre for Playback Theatre

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of the course, participants will: 

• Know how to perform the basic Playback Theatre forms
• Practice basic skills required in the different roles in Playback Theatre.
• Gain insights into the Playback Theatre process
• Have a basic understanding of the impact and applications of Playback Theatre

Who Should Attend? 

This course is highly recommended for: 

• Social service professionals & Community workers – Social workers, caseworkers, therapists, community outreach staff, and facilitators
• Drama practitioners – Professionals using drama for community engagement
• Educators & Facilitators – For those leading group-based learning
  
• Anyone interested in Playback Theatre or in using applied theatre as a tool for their work

Pre-requisites:

Participants must be at least 18 years old.

No prior theatre experience required.

Course Schedule

*Includes 1.5-hour lunch break

About The Facilitator

Michael Cheng is an applied drama practitioner and educator from Singapore. Over the years, he has initiated and facilitated socially engaged applied arts projects with a wide range of communities, including children and youth with disabilities, seniors, and at-risk groups. In addition, Michael teaches applied drama methods as both a freelance trainer and adjunct lecturer. As an accredited Playback Theatre trainer (APTT), he has taught internationally across all levels and is currently a faculty member of the Centre for Playback Theatre’s Leadership course. He is also an accredited trainer and guide of The Listening Hour. Michael holds a Master’s in Arts Pedagogy and Practice from Goldsmiths, University of London, supported by the National Arts Council (Singapore)’s Arts Scholarship.

Discounts, Funding & Subsidies

Early Bird Discount 

Non-SDEA Members enjoy a 5% early bird discount on the standard course fee till 29 June 2025.

SDEA Members enjoy a 25% early bird discount on the standard course fee till 29 June 2025.

SDEA Membership Discount

All SDEA Members enjoy 25% early bird discount (till 29 June 2025) or 20% off standard price (30 June 2025 onwards).

SDEA Membership is a 2-year renewable membership. A one-time fee of S$40.00 is required upon application. Membership renewal is based on engagement in SDEA activities (ie. participate in at least 1 SDEA event within the 2 year period.)*

*Membership renewal condition(s) are subjected to changes. Please contact SDEA for the lastest information.

Click to apply for SDEA Membership

Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI) [Open to SDEA Members only | Application closes 27 July 2025]

The Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI) is a funding initiative by the Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA) to support freelance practitioners and drama educators to make professional development a regular part of their lives. 

Successful applicants will be awarded up to S$500 subsidies for this course.

Click here to find out more about the initiative.

Applicants must be: Associate or Ordinary members of SDEA

Application: Click to apply for TSPDI

Application Deadline: Sunday, 27 July 2025, 11:59pm
Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview latest by 8 August 2025.
Successful recipients will be notified by: Monday, 11 August 2025.

Please ensure that you have registered for the course before applying for funding.

If you require any support, please contact projects@sdea.org.sg.